Embroidery Methods
Our barongs showcase elaborate embellishments deeply rooted in generations of tradition. We carefully select thread work styles to accentuate the unique decorative details of each piece. Threads are chosen for their technical and aesthetic qualities, ensuring harmonious integration with the fabric and embroidery method. As a result, the final products may exhibit variations in appearance, color, and texture, influenced by fabric, thread selection, embroidery method, and the distinctive expertise of our skilled artisans.
The embroidery comprises two essential components: the design component, which is the primary embroidery pattern, and the accent component, a delicate handcrafted detail resembling fine lace, known as Calado (also spelled Callado). However, it's important to note that some embroidery designs are intentionally created without calado.
Hand Embroidery
Hand embroidery is a meticulous craft that delivers a timeless vintage aesthetic. Executed with pure cotton thread, it harmonizes seamlessly with fine fabrics such as piña, piña-silk, and abaca-cotton. For added visual depth and detail, hand embroidery is often paired with handcrafted calado.
Hand embroidery allows for superior execution of design elements compared to machine embroidery. The delicate details and embossing of designs are skillfully achieved through this technique.
Machine Embroidery
Machine embroidery encompasses two distinct types: hand-guided and computerized. Hand-guided machine embroidery is done by a skilled embroiderer using an embroidery machine, while computerized machine embroidery is done by a machine that's run by a computer program. Both methods are frequently paired with faux calado, a machine-made substitute for handcrafted calado. However, the addition of faux calado is not always necessary and depends on the overall aesthetic, as it can sometimes overwhelm the embroidery rather than enhance it.
If you're looking for a cost-effective and time-efficient method to embellish your barong, machine embroidery is the ideal solution. It's suitable for materials like cocoon, cocoon-piña, jusi, and jusi-piña.
Hand-guided Machine Embroidery + Accent Calado
If you're looking for a way to achieve a balance between cost and efficiency while maintaining a commendable aesthetic appeal, we recommend considering hand-guided machine embroidery paired with handcrafted accent calado.
Calado adds intricate detail to the embroidery, creating a visually striking effect that can't be achieved with machine embroidery alone.
Calado Embroidery
Calado is a signature feature of the Barong Tagalog, widely recognized as a hallmark of Lumban craftsmanship. To create this intricate detail, skilled artisans remove fibers from the fabric, reducing the fiber count, and then meticulously weave the remaining fibers into delicate openwork patterns.
Accent Calado
This provides a touch of intricate detail within the embroidery design. It enhances particular design areas, creating depth and emphasizing key elements for greater visual impact.
All-Over Calado
This transforms your barong into a masterpiece of intricate open-thread work. Due to the meticulous craftsmanship required, this extensive application of calado, covering the entire front, the entire front and back, or the entire barong, constitutes a significant enhancement, increasing cost and production time based on coverage area.
All-Over Calado Styles
You can choose between two all-over calado styles, each offering a distinct aesthetic. For an understated look, plain all-over calado is an excellent choice. If you prefer more detail, decorated all-over calado adds an elaborate touch. Choose what resonates with your personal taste.
Plain All-Over Calado
This features a single calado style outside the embroidery
design.
Decorated All-Over Calado
This incorporates multiple calado styles, creating stripes outside the embroidery design.